The performance was outstanding with seamless performances from the excellent cast. The set decorations were striking, albeit quirky. The director is a bit odd choosing to take literal interpretations of Mozart's opera e.g. the school for lovers alternate title for the opera is taken as the setting of a School for Lovers with students taking notes on the various characters' performances and actions. He also uses Frida Kahlo's "Two Fridas" painting as an overlooking backdrop. This features a visceral depiction of exposed hearts on the characters which is a bit obvious really.
I'm not a great fan of Mozart opera, preferring the Italian ones that have a bit of edge to them but I have to admit that the music was very lyrical and pleasant. A lot of opera depends on some big numbers linked by a lot of pretty boring filler. Mozart's kind of lacks the big numbers but instead has all very pleasant filler. Nice.
Toronto Opera at the Four Seasons centre use the sur-titles way at the top of the stage. This is generally OK for Rossini or Verdi but Mozart is a bit wordier so you had to continually look up to read the translations. The New York Metropolitan has little screens on the back of each seat so all you have to do is cast a quick look down to read the translations. You can also select a language which is pretty neat. In Auckland years ago they did a trial of a transparent screen across the fron to f the stage with the translation projected above the heads of the performers. This was an excellent idea but got discontinued probably because of some miserable old scrotes who felt that it was detracting.
Another meaning for Cosi Fan Tutti is "Women are like that" ie: inconstant kind of like:
LA DONNA E MERAVIGLIOSO
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| "It's over now - do you want to hear a song" |
